Find fun things to do in North Lake Tahoe, California. There’s a fabulous variety of totally fun tourist attractions and things to do in North Lake Tahoe to suit every taste, from skiing and snowboarding in winter to fishing and water sports in the summer. Plus, there is plenty of dining, shopping and activities when it’s time to come inside. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or hit the shops, restaurants, spas or the casino tables, you’ll find it all in beautiful Lake Tahoe, California. The Squaw Valley Lodge provides the perfect spot to experience it all!

Whether you’re toasting the New Year with just your loved one, or bundling up the whole family for a night of fireworks and tasty treats, we have your guide to New Year’s Eve at North Lake Tahoe right here!

Fire and Ice New Year’s Celebration at Northstar-at-Tahoe

Ring in the New Year at Northstar’s infamous Fire and Ice Celebration! A DJ kicks off the evening on stage at 1pm, followed by the “Ripperroo Parade” at 4:45pm, where the young ones can blow noisemakers and hang out with Ripperroo. Adults can enjoy “An Evening with Led Zeppelin 2: The Experience” from 7 to 9 pm and the fireworks spectacular at 9 pm! Enjoy Cabana Bar drink specials all evening, from the “Resolution Martini” to the “Chocolate Mistletoe”. Click herefor details.

Family New Year’s Eve Party at Squaw Valley

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at High Camp with a all-ages evening on your favorite mountain, Squaw Valley. Ride the Cable Car up to High Camp for a night of entertainment that begins at 6 pm. (Be sure to catch the 5, 5:15, 5:30 or 5:45 pm tram.) You’ll be treated to a fabulous buffet dinner, music and dancing for the young and old alike. No need to stay up to the wee hours because you’ll ring in the New Year with a 9 pm. East Coast New Year’s champagne toast (sparkling apple cider for the youngsters). Afterwards, ride back to the Village to view the New Year’s Eve Fireworks display at 9:30 pm.

If you’re without the kiddos, and looking to celebrate in style then join the New Year’s Eve bash at Squaw Valley’s Olympic House. Known as the biggest party on the North Shore, Olympic House will host two DJ’s and a live band that spreads across all five bars in the lodge. The party starts at 9 pm and goes till drink service ends at 1:30 am. Cover is $10 at the door (cash only) and you must be 21+ with a valid ID. If you still want to see fireworks, a display is scheduled to launch from the Village at 9:30 pm (PT).

Sip and Shop at Squaw Valley Sport

Before the evening festivities get underway, head over to Squaw Valley Sport at 4pm for wine tasting and shopping!

Wine Tasting at Uncorked at Tahoe City

Uncorked Tahoe City hosts a winemaker’s tasting from 4 to 7 p.m with Auteur. Call (530) 581-1106 for details.

Torchlight Parade at Tahoe Donner Downhill

A unique and glowing way to ring in the New Year! This celebration is for intermediate skiers and riders ages 10 or older who can ski or ride unassisted in the dark on our Race Course run. Tahoe Donner Downhill recommends you come early to ensure you secure a spot in the parade. A DJ and snacks will be provided in the bar area prior to the parade. Sign-up is 4:30-5:45 pm with a 6:00 pm start time. View some video from the 2010 New Year’s parade!

New Year’s Eve Dinners in North Lake Tahoe and Truckee

Lone Eagle Grille at the Hyatt Regency:Why not dine lakeside with live music at this New Year’s Eve Celebration from 5:30 pm to 12:30 am? Regular menu offered from 5:30 to 7 pm, and a special five-course menu from 8 to 10:30 pm. Call for reservations (775) 886-6899.

Manzanita at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe: If you’re not the budget-minded then celebrate with friends and family at the The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe’s New Year’s Eve dinner at Manzanita. You can choose an early seating from 5 to 6:30 pm with a special a la carte menu. Or, enjoy a special four-course menu from 8:30 pm to 1 am with a champagne toast, music, party favors and dancing. Reservations required and books up quickly! (530) 562-3000

PlumpJack Cafe at The PlumpJake Inn: PlumpJack hosts a prix-fix New Year’s Eve Dinner with a four-course menu. $120/person. Call for reservations (530) 583-1578. Follow your evening of delectable cuisine by viewing the fireworks spectacular at the Village at 9:30 pm.

In many cities you may find First Thursdays to whet the curatorial interest of gallery lovers, where visitors enjoy open houses and peruse the work of their favorite artists. You don’t need an urban lifestyle to enjoy art, food and festivities! For the First Friday of each month, participating Downtown Truckee shops and restaurants will offer complimentary art, food, drinks, music and more from 5PM-8PM! Participating stores will display First Friday Flags, so you know where to find the fun!

On the First Friday of December (12/2) enjoy Toddy Treat night! The downtown merchants have partnered with Truckee Rotary in their annual lighting of the “Bud Fish” tree. Just after dusk, the tree will be lit for the holiday season and Historic Downtown Truckee will come alive!

Gather with the local community and enjoy hot chocolate, treats, kids activities, caroling, dancing and annual tree decorating by elementary school kids, followed by a visit from Santa Claus!

Enjoy the festive atmosphere of Historic Valhalla Grand Hall with an elegant evening of champagne, hors d’ouevres, fine wines and catered dinner at the annual Valhalla Holiday Gala Diner. Each ticket includes a personalized Tahoe Silverwood handcrafted Bear Ornament, and you’ll also enjoy a silent auction before the end of the evening.

It’s that time of year again! If you like to kick-off the holiday season with Holiday Tree Lightings, then you are in for a treat with the local festivites in North Lake Tahoe this December. Be sure to bundle up the little ones and get ready for a heart and belly-warming time!

December 2nd: Holiday Tree Lighting in Kings Beach, CA

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at the North Tahoe Event Center from 5-7pm. The annual community event includes photographs with Santa, a cookie swap and craft stations for the kids. Warm up with hot cocoa and homemade soup and treat one another to candy canes. This event is sponsored by the North Tahoe PUD and the Event Center, the North Tahoe Business Association, and the Boys & Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe. For further details, call 530.546.9000.

December 3rd: Tree Lighting in Tahoe City, CA

Help Santa Claus and Liberty Energy turn on the holiday lights in Downtown Tahoe City from 5PM to 7PM. Warm up with friends by the fire in Heritage Plaza with complimentary refreshments and enjoy live holiday music. Carol with friends and loved ones to ring in the holiday season! This event is sponsored by Tahoe City Downtown Association and Tahoe City Public Utility District. For more information visit The Tahoe City Downtown Association.

December 3rd: Tree Lighting at Cal Neva Resort

Join Santa Claus in Cal Neva’s beautiful Indian Room to light the Holiday Tree from 5PM-7PM. Get your photo taken with Santa himself, and snack on warm cookies and hot cocoa. For more information visit the Cal Neva Resort.

Snow, steaming hot cocoa and sleigh rides. There is so much happening this year at the 7th Annual Magical Memories, we don’t know where to begin!

Resort at Squaw Creek has crafted a bevy of holiday activities for all ages, which runs from November 25, 2011 to January 8, 2012. We’ll just whet your appetite for winter wonderland galore with these options: holiday caroling, cookie decorating, wine and cheese tastings, s’mores roast and hot cocoa by the bonfire, breakfast with Santa, stories with Mrs. Claus in the lobby, snowman making competition, sleigh rides and more! To see a detailed list of events by date and more information,click here!

If you are music buff, then be sure to set aside these dates and get your ticket while you can! Handel’s “Messiah” in the Grand Sierra Ballroom is a local’s favorite, and not one to miss.

Musical Event Details:

11/30, 12/7, 12/14 at 5 PM: Live Local School Performances. Complimentary!

12/10 and 12/11: The Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus of Sierra College presents “Sing Christmas”; for tickets click here.

12/16: The Orchestra and Community Chorus of the Tahoe Area (TOCCATA) presents a special version of Handel’s “Messiah” in the Grand Sierra Ballroom. Buy your tickets here!

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. W.T. Ellis

Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate and the United States Marine Corps Reserve are proud to sponsor the32nd Annual Toys for Tots Party on Wednesday, December 7th from 6-9 p.m in Incline Village.

This year’s event kicks off at The Chateau Incline Village and features music by DJ Alex “Boogie” Smith, dancing, cocktails, delectable appetizers, prizes and an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. It is a crucial fundraiser during the holiday season, and the community support allows children in need to have a joyous experience at Christmas.

It’s that time of year again. Fresh snow, a cup of hot cocoa, letters to Santa, and festive lights to warm your hearts. Kick off the holiday season this December with the Tahoe City Holly-Days Jubilee!

The Weekend Lowdown

Town Tree Lighting and Community Caroling

Friday, December 2, 2011

5pm-7pm

Bundle up, bring your camera, and come see Santa light the tree!

Family Winter Wonderland and Photos with Santa Claus

Saturday, December 3, 2011

11am-2pm

Want a great photo to share in your holiday cards this year? Then grab the whole family and get your picture taken with Santa!